Eminem walks free from court

Eminem signs his probation document in court

Rapper Eminem has been sentenced to two years' probation for carrying a concealed weapon outside a nightclub in Detroit.

Judge Antonio Viviano told the US court that although it was a serious offence to carry a weapon, the firearm was not loaded and posed no particular threat to human life.

He also cited the fact that Eminem - real name Marshall Mathers III - had no prior convictions, although he did make a reference to an altercation involving the star seven years ago.

The charges stemmed from an incident outside a Detroit nightclub in June last year when Eminem - real name Marshall Mathers III - saw a man kissing his wife Kimberly.

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The performer admitted carrying the weapon during his trial in February this year, as part of a plea deal with prosecutors, who dropped an assault charge against him.

The court in Mount Clemens, Michigan, heard that the star now had to comply with a list of rules laid out by the judge, including:

• He must refrain from all excessive use of alcohol and any controlled substance unless prescribed

• He must comply with requirement of alcohol and drug testing at the request of probation officers

• No attempt could be made to make fraudulent samples for testing

"The aim of deterrence is to protect the public," said Judge Viviano. "Retribution and rehabilitation are specifically aimed at deterring the defendant from reoffending."

Controversy

Eminem, who looked tense during the judge's speech, could have been given a five-year jail sentence.

The singer spent most of his childhood in Detroit, where he met his wife, Kimberly Mathers, who has now filed for divorce.

His music and his lifestyle have long been embroiled in controversy.

His mother launched a $10m (£6.9m) lawsuit against him for lyrics in the song My Name Is, which she said were defamatory.

The performer's concerts in the UK earlier this year were picketed by gay and lesbian rights' protesters who said his lyrics were sexist and homophobic.